WASH YOUR CHICKEN... or not?
This has become such a big debate and honey, to each his own but regardless of what the FDA, CIA, FBI says I am going with what my mama, gramma, elders and ancestors have said I am "washing" my chicken! I am going to give you both pros and cons of this Great Chicken Wash Debate!
The Pros
The benefits of rinsing chicken are that it removes any residue or debris that may be on the surface of the meat. This can help to reduce the risk of foodborne illness caused by bacteria such as Salmonella or Campylobacter. Rinsing can also remove any excess blood or fluids that may be present, which can lead to a cleaner and more pleasant cooking process.
The Cons
There are also some potential drawbacks to rinsing chicken. One major concern is that the water used to rinse the chicken can splash contaminated droplets onto nearby surfaces, increasing the risk of cross-contamination. And when chicken is rinsed under running water, any bacteria present can be spread to other foods, utensils, or surfaces in the kitchen.
If you do choose to rinse your chicken, like me. Take precautions to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Only your chicken, bowl, and knife should be present in the sink when rinsing your chicken!
Here are some "WASH YOUR CHICKEN"
safety steps:
Before handling the chicken, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
Place the chicken on a plate or cutting board and use clean, sharp kitchen shears to cut the packaging open. Avoid touching the chicken or the inside of the packaging with your hands.
Prepare a solution of cool water, lemon juice, and white vinegar in a stainless-steel bowl. The acidity in the lemon and vinegar can help to kill bacteria on the chicken.
Submerge the chicken parts in the solution and use your hands to gently rub any debris or residue off the surface.
Discard the solution and rinse the chicken thoroughly under cool running water.
Once you have finished rinsing the chicken, clean and sanitize all surfaces and utensils that may have come into contact with the raw meat.
"WASH YOUR CHICKEN" CLEAN UP!
The Cleaning Solution:
In a spray bottle , prepare a bleach, sudsy water solution.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup bleach
1 tablespoon liquid dish detergent
16 ounces water
Instructions:
Pour 1/4 cup of bleach into your empty spray bottle.
Add 1 tablespoon of liquid dish detergent to the bottle.
Fill the bottle with 16 ounces of water.
Screw the spray nozzle onto the bottle and give it a good shake to mix all of the ingredients together.
Your cleaning solution is now ready to use!
The Pre-wash:
Rinse bowls that contain chicken with warm water (as hot as you can tolerate) making sure to remove traces of residue from the bowl with water or a paper towel. When using a paper towel dispose it, immediately after usage. In the bowls, add water and mix 1 teaspoon of liquid detergent and 1 teaspoon of bleach, place used utensils in bowl, clean with a clean paper towel or disposable cloth along with washing the bowls, rinse and set aside in the unused side of the sink.
The Clean:
Spray sinks and surfaces with cleaning solution, wash with disposable cloth, and rinse with warm water. Dispose of the cloth immediately. Keep bowls/utensils in the sink while cleaning. Spray sink and surfaces again and allow the solution to sit for at least 5 minutes before taking a new clean cloth with warm water to rinse. (Rinse bowls/utensils as well) Dry with paper towel.
Fill the sink that contains the bowls and utensils with warm water. Add 1 teaspoon of bleach and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish detergent. With disposable cloth or clean cloth wash bowls, utensils, and dishes. Rinse with warm water. Allow dishes to air dry
Natural Alternative:
Follow the above steps but replace bleach with white vinegar and use an all natural liquid detergent.
By following these steps, you can safely "WASH YOUR CHICKEN!" and minimize the risk of foodborne illness.